Champions League Contention

[Monty]

Cold light of day - our problem is wilting. Ever since that Man It'd away game we've shown about as much mental fortitude as wet spinach. I wonder if this played a part in Emery's defensive thinking tbh, though of course that is also a vicious cycle of negativity.

[Drummond]

I think the players are mentally tiring rather than physically. There are increasing expectations and demands, we're going deep in two competitions, one of which is the most demanding in the world. Let's hope that they get a second wind and that the management team get it sorted.

[Brazilian Villain]

I think the players are mentally tiring rather than physically. There are increasing expectations and demands, we're going deep in two competitions, one of which is the most demanding in the world. Let's hope that they get a second wind and that the management team get it sorted.

Agree with this. Heard on the radio that we've already played more games than Spurs can play all season so, with our injuries and fatigue, some drop-off in performances isn't that surprising.   

[ChicagoLion]

I am not worried about ManU or Spurs for that matter.
I am worried about our form our injury problems and the lack of quality of our back up players.

[tomd2103]

Cold light of day - our problem is wilting. Ever since that Man It'd away game we've shown about as much mental fortitude as wet spinach. I wonder if this played a part in Emery's defensive thinking tbh, though of course that is also a vicious cycle of negativity.

I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair).  You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out. 

Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.

[ChicagoLion]

I’m old enough to have seen some games as a little kid from 1982 onwards, but can’t remember the vibe from the title winning season before.  For those that are a bit ‘wiser’, I’m curious how this compares to the run in that year.  Obviously the stakes were higher (though I wonder if it felt any more intense), but from what I’ve already there were twists and turns.  What was it like from a fan perspective?  Nervy? Boisterous? It feels like a lot of us are sensing we’ve fucked 4th up (I’ll judge after the next 3 games starting Thursday) - was it the same in 81?  When stuff didn’t go to plan? Was there an equivalent moment like the 0-4 on Sunday.

The biggest difference is that team hardly suffered any injury setbacks.
We had been on a run of form for a few years, (characterised in Children of the revolution) I always believed we would win at home, that season,the Ipswich defeat which was a bit of a shock but the Rons famous words afterwards seemed to calm everyone .
I think everybody had extreme faith in the manager and the players, it only got really nervous at the end but we were used to winning and the Villa Fans I knew at that time including those a lot older than me believed we would do it.
The most amazing memories of those days was the anticipation in the ground waiting for the team to come out and then the celebration of seeing them as they came on to the pitch, it was like a goal being scored.

[Risso]

I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair).  You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out. 

Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.

I've noticed in recent games that there's an increased and noticeable tetchiness amongst the players. I'm sure they are all still playing for each other, but there's a definite rise in arguments on the pitch, usually between the defenders; and Emi and the defenders. The high line, set pieces and building up from the back hasn't been working nearly as well as earlier in the season as can be seen from the number of goals conceded recently.

[usav]

I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair).  You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out. 

Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.

I've noticed in recent games that there's an increased and noticeable tetchiness amongst the players. I'm sure they are all still playing for each other, but there's a definite rise in arguments on the pitch, usually between the defenders; and Emi and the defenders. The high line, set pieces and building up from the back hasn't been working nearly as well as earlier in the season as can be seen from the number of goals conceded recently.

Konsa as well in the last couple of games has been mouthing at someone, which is rich given he has been shite.

[Stinkin_Thinkin]

I think the players are pissed off/ rapidly coming to terms with with losing their days off in the week. Whilst elite players are used to sleep travel sound check gig, Villa players have been used to coasting around mid table doing just about enough on the pitch to have plenty days off and live the footballer lifestyle off the pitch, For years coming to Villa meant you had status to play for a big club without the circus that surrounds the likes of man utd and liverpool...and the greuling schedule.   

[dekko]

I think the players are pissed off/ rapidly coming to terms with with losing their days off in the week. Whilst elite players are used to sleep travel sound check gig, Villa players have been used to coasting around mid table doing just about enough on the pitch to have plenty days off and live the footballer lifestyle off the pitch, For years coming to Villa meant you had status to play for a big club without the circus that surrounds the likes of man utd and liverpool...and the greuling schedule.

No

[Clampy]

I think the players are pissed off/ rapidly coming to terms with with losing their days off in the week. Whilst elite players are used to sleep travel sound check gig, Villa players have been used to coasting around mid table doing just about enough on the pitch to have plenty days off and live the footballer lifestyle off the pitch, For years coming to Villa meant you had status to play for a big club without the circus that surrounds the likes of man utd and liverpool...and the greuling schedule.   

That just sounds a load of nonsense, sorry.

[nick harper]

I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair).  You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out. 

Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.

I've noticed in recent games that there's an increased and noticeable tetchiness amongst the players. I'm sure they are all still playing for each other, but there's a definite rise in arguments on the pitch, usually between the defenders; and Emi and the defenders. The high line, set pieces and building up from the back hasn't been working nearly as well as earlier in the season as can be seen from the number of goals conceded recently.

Teams are definitely making it harder for us as well. We are not slicing through teams at home like we were for most of 2023. They are either pressing us really hard like spurs and Newcastle or they are getting into a really tight shape, making it difficult to play through. Man U did neither of course so ridiculous we didn’t win that.

Overall though, I think Emery needs to re-group and help us find ways round the new challenges.

[Rigadon]

I’m old enough to have seen some games as a little kid from 1982 onwards, but can’t remember the vibe from the title winning season before.  For those that are a bit ‘wiser’, I’m curious how this compares to the run in that year.  Obviously the stakes were higher (though I wonder if it felt any more intense), but from what I’ve already there were twists and turns.  What was it like from a fan perspective?  Nervy? Boisterous? It feels like a lot of us are sensing we’ve fucked 4th up (I’ll judge after the next 3 games starting Thursday) - was it the same in 81?  When stuff didn’t go to plan? Was there an equivalent moment like the 0-4 on Sunday.

The biggest difference is that team hardly suffered any injury setbacks.
We had been on a run of form for a few years, (characterised in Children of the revolution) I always believed we would win at home, that season,the Ipswich defeat which was a bit of a shock but the Rons famous words afterwards seemed to calm everyone .
I think everybody had extreme faith in the manager and the players, it only got really nervous at the end but we were used to winning and the Villa Fans I knew at that time including those a lot older than me believed we would do it.
The most amazing memories of those days was the anticipation in the ground waiting for the team to come out and then the celebration of seeing them as they came on to the pitch, it was like a goal being scored.

Cheers for this.  Maybe some words from the manager will help this time (obviously not a title push but something that would be very special) too. 

Or maybe today’s football is just too different to do a meaningful comparison!  !

[Marlon From Bearwood]

I’m old enough to have seen some games as a little kid from 1982 onwards, but can’t remember the vibe from the title winning season before.  For those that are a bit ‘wiser’, I’m curious how this compares to the run in that year.  Obviously the stakes were higher (though I wonder if it felt any more intense), but from what I’ve already there were twists and turns.  What was it like from a fan perspective?  Nervy? Boisterous? It feels like a lot of us are sensing we’ve fucked 4th up (I’ll judge after the next 3 games starting Thursday) - was it the same in 81?  When stuff didn’t go to plan? Was there an equivalent moment like the 0-4 on Sunday. 

To offer some recent comparisons (and also try to offer some positivity amongst the sea of doom and gloom on here);

Feb 2019 - we lost at home to WBA and that supposedly ended any lingering hopes of getting promoted that season.
Summer 2020 - we lost at home to Man U meaning any chance of staying up was now surely gone.
May 2023 - Wolves away, our 2nd consecutive PL defeat meant that despite a great run beforehand we had now surely blown our chance of finishing 7th and getting European football.

This is just another one of those moments. Keep the faith.

[ez]

I think the difference between us and spurs is their key players are coming back while ours are still out. Its obviously giving them a real boost.